Meet Our Team
Brian Norton
DVM
He received his DVM from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. He grew up with his family in Arkansas. While in school he did an Externship at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. He has also worked as a zoo keeper and veterinary assistant at Baton Rouge Zoo. He was a veterinarian at the Scovill Zoo in Decatur were he treated exotic animals for ten years. Job opportunities brought him to Lowell, Indiana when he became owner of Bardens Animal Clinic in 2006. He has been practicing as a DVM for 25 years now. He dedicates himself to our clients and their companions by providing a comprehensive, state-of-the-art modern environment. He is committed to client education, individualized preventative health care and the diagnosis and treatment of disease. He has been married to Millie (our office manager) since 2004, has 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 2 dogs and 1 cat. When not at the clinic he enjoys outdoor activities, exercising, scuba diving (is Master Scuba Diver), running, gaming and spending time with his family.
Dr. Laura Pratscher
DVM
Taking care of animals was always second nature to Dr. Laura Pratscher who rescued three abandoned kittens from the woods behind her childhood house when she was only eight years old. Her animal journey took her to Purdue University where she gained her bachelor’s degree in animal science along with a master’s degree in reproductive medicine.
Her calling then took her to the Ontario Veterinary College where she was one of the five U.S. students to graduate from the prestigious Canadian veterinary school class of 2005. At graduation, she was awarded the Hills Buddy Award which honored her true empathy toward her patients.
Dr. Pratscher practiced for a year in Ontario before traveling back to the states and practicing as a small animal veterinarian in Illinois for eight years. She then took a pause and took on the role of motherhood for several years.
Dr. Laura Pratscher now resides in Valparaiso with her husband of twenty years and nine-year-old daughter.
Millie Norton
Practice Manager
Since 2006, I have been the practice manager at Bardens Animal Clinic. I have 5 wonderful children, 10 grandchildren, 2 dogs, 1 cat and have been married since 2004. When I am not at the clinic I love to exercise, travel, volunteer at church, and spend time with my family.
Lindsey Martin
Vet Assistant
From a young age I always wanted to work with animals. I have 3 healthy German Shepherds; whom I love. In my spare time I like playing ball with my dogs, reading and baking.
Adrian Magana
Vet Assistant
Attending Governor State University majoring in Biology and applying to Vet school to hopefully achieve childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. I have one dog named Caramelo and a 125-gallon fish tank with a bunch of cichlids and a musk turtle. In my free time I enjoy working out, horse-back riding, playing soccer, and watching new shows on Netflix.
Andria Watt
Veterinary Technician
Bio coming soon!
Ashley Lanting
Receptionist
Bio coming soon!
Keagan Young
Kennel
Bio coming soon!
